Fall 2027 Fellowship Sponsorship, Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief

About the role#

The Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief is seeking a Legal Fellow for a one- or two-year sponsored public interest fellowship beginning in the fall of 2027. This role supports litigation and advocacy work focused on safeguarding the separation of church and state and protecting the right to religious exercise. The Fellow will report to the Project Director and work closely with the team through the funding application process.

What you'll do#

• Conduct legal research and analysis to develop theories for new litigation projects.
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs.
• Participate in discovery, trial practice, and witness interviews.
• Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials.
• Provide support to ACLU affiliates and cooperating attorneys.
• Manage the summer legal internship program and supervise student interns.
• Engage in public speaking and attend relevant meetings or conferences.

What you'll need#

• A J.D. degree or expected receipt of a J.D. by the spring of 2027.
• Admission to practice in Washington, D.C., or an agreement to become admitted within one year of hire.
• A demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil liberties, criminal justice, and racial justice.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and manage a variety of tasks independently and as part of a team.
• A commitment to embedding principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in all work.

Location & details#

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Term: Fall 2027 start.
• Status: Full-time, paid position.
• This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by ACLU Staff United.